…demands back M202,000 and seized car in drug case
Hopolang Mokhopi
TWO South African men facing cannabis possession and money laundering charges have applied for bail of M1,000 each and demanded the return of M202,000 in cash and a motor vehicle seized by police, after their first bid for release was rejected.
Nash Pillay and Thabiso Ngidi filed the fresh bail application before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court this past week, after Magistrate Puseletso McPherson turned down their initial attempt on 9 July 2026, when they were charged and remanded into custody.
In the court papers, Pillay describes himself as a certified herbal doctor and entrepreneur, and the owner and director of 21 Jump Street Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, a company registered in South Africa with businesses in Durban. He says cannabis is one of the most important herbs used for medicinal purposes according to his Muslim tradition.
The pair are jointly seeking bail of M1,000 each. Proposed conditions for Ngidi include reporting to Maseru Central Police Station every Friday between 10am and noon, surrendering his passport and not leaving Lesotho for South Africa without the court’s permission. They have proposed Palo Ngoae and Nataline Pillay, both based in Lesotho, as sureties, with amounts to be determined by the court.
The accused also want the M202,000 confiscated from Pillay on 7 July 2026 returned, or held in trust by their legal representatives pending finalisation of the case, along with the release of the seized motor vehicle to Pillay, his legal representative or a nominated third party.
Regarding a pill seized by police, the accused say it is a dental painkiller rather than an illicit drug, and want it returned so Ngidi can obtain urgent medical treatment, or alternatively handed to a pharmacist for verification.
Ngidi is also seeking permission to consult a dentist or medical practitioner at his own expense and to possess lawful prescription medication for what he describes as an ongoing, severe dental ailment.
The defence is demanding that the State disclose all evidence in its possession, including forensic analysis of the cannabis sample and pill, documentary evidence relating to the alleged money laundering, and statements from all witnesses.
It argues that the accused are presumed innocent and that no exceptional circumstances justify their continued detention, adding that they are not flight risks given their strong ties to South Africa through employment, family and business interests, and their lack of previous convictions.
The defence further challenges the seizure of the cash and vehicle, arguing police lacked reasonable suspicion, and maintains the money was legitimate business funds intended for commercial purposes in Lesotho, while the vehicle was merely a mode of transport.
The State, however, has opposed the application, arguing that the accused held no valid licences and pose a flight risk. This is set out in an answering affidavit by investigating officer Detective Police Constable (DPC) No. 10709 Paki, filed ahead of the bail hearing.
According to DPC Paki, the accused were found in possession of cannabis and cash without proper authorisation under Lesotho law, and the documents they rely on do not establish lawful possession of cannabis in the country.
He says a document marked Annexure “NP1” identifies the licence holder as Kriek Grow Corporation, trading as Riek Group Corp, but contains no documentation linking Pillay to the company. A copy of a “Licence to Practice” in Pillay’s name is illegible, he adds, making it impossible to establish whether 21 Jump Street Enterprises (Pty) Ltd appears on it.
On Annexure “NP3”, DPC Paki says the licence holder is listed as Sethebe Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, in the name of Palo Constantinus Nqoae, rather than either accused – and that the licence in any case expired on 20 November 2024, rendering it without legal force. “Compliance with the legal framework of South Africa does not automatically legalise non-compliance with the relevant legal framework in Lesotho,” DPC Paki states.
The investigating officer maintains the vehicle was lawfully seized because it was allegedly used in the commission of an offence, and that the cannabis cannot be returned without a valid licence. On the cash, he says evidence suggests a predicate offence was committed, and the prosecution will seek to prove the money was derived directly or indirectly from criminal activity. He notes that a bank statement marked Annexure “NP4” reflects a deposit of M200,296.50 on 6 July 2026, but does not show the M202,000 the accused claim to have withdrawn.
The State is opposing Ngidi’s bail on the basis of common purpose, arguing that drugs were found in his possession while he was in the vehicle. DPC Paki further contends there is a real likelihood the accused will abscond, given their weak ties to Lesotho, and notes that their earlier bail application was dismissed with no new facts since presented to warrant release.
The State is expected to rely on forensic evidence at trial. DPC Paki attached a forensic report, marked Annexure “A”, which allegedly found that substances submitted on 8 July 2026 tested positive for cocaine and dronabinol.
The matter continues, with the main trial expected to begin in November 2026. The State has also indicated it will seek to amend the charges to include an additional count of drug trafficking.